Seagulls soar into third round

08 December 2010 10:30

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Late goals from Elliott Bennett and Matthew Sparrow sealed Brighton's passage into the third round of the FA Cup as they finally saw off FC United of Manchester 4-0 to book a south-coast clash with Portsmouth.
The Seagulls were in cruise control at the break thanks to Fran Sandaza's tap-in and Inigo Calderon's header, with Bennett and Sparrow wrapping things up in the final four minutes.
The Red Rebels, who knocked out Rochdale in the first round and earned a superb draw at the Withdean Stadium, did have their chances with Jake Cotterill missing a second-half penalty, but Gus Poyet's side were worthy winners.
Albion were rewarded for a bright start in the 25th minute when Sandaza converted his second goal of the season from close range after good work from Bennett. Brighton then struck a crucial second blow on the stroke of half-time when Sandaza crossed for Calderon to head home from two yards.
Carlos Roca went close for the home side after the break before Cotterill blew their golden chance to get back in the game when his 68th minute spot-kick flew wide following Calderon's foul on Ben Deegan.
Bennett showed Cotterill how to do it with four minutes left when he fired home from 10 yards, and Sparrow had the last word in injury-time, heading home Gary Hart's cross.